Every week in Menopause Talk, we are posing a question to members to spark discussion. We encourage you to share your personal perspective and opinions, and support and respect one another. This week's topic:
What resources (ex. medical websites, physicians, herbal therapy) have you found most helpful for advice on menopause? Women experience menopause both physically and emotionally and there are many ways to treat and deal with the symptoms. To whom and where do you turn for advice and relief?
Please note that comments in this article should not be interpreted as medical advice. We strongly suggest consulting with a health care professional before acting on information found in this discussion.
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Comments: 14
One source for me is my OB/GYN. I prefer a woman doctor for this specialty. She, while much younger, does appear to understand my body more than a man might be. When I first showed signs of peri-menopause, she did both hormone level tests and blood tests to show which vitamins/minerals I might be low in or lacking. She had a favorite compound pharmacist she recommended for a more personalized approach to treating. Fortunately, I have not experienced the problems many woman have and have not required hormone treatment.
When it comes to the more cosmetic things that happen to a woman of menopause age, there I have relied more on friends to share their experiences. (You know...that one hair that insists on showing up on one's chin.)
The internet, of course, is another source I use. Also the library.
I think that relatives did often have these mood swings but it was not widely talked about. That book, The Valley of the Dolls, a novel which focused on housewives who were hooked on Valium was about younger women, I believe, but all too often I think women in menopause were misdiagnosed and given Valium because they got "nervous". Perhaps some of that was perimenopause or menopause.
I have always liked the message board: Power Surge as a source of comfort and info:
http://www.power-surge.com/php/forums/
There are often offline support groups as well, women who meet and discuss things, not just menopause.
Aside from the Cenestin he gave me....
Black Cohosh was great for night sweats. I heard about it from a friend.
Flax seed oil (in soft gel pill form) I read about on the internet and found the most for the cheapest price at Sam's Club. Be sure to keep the Flax Seed oil in the fridge, it can spoil.
Do any of you take it or use the Fem Ring?
It's natural - it is supposed to happen and no doubt I will breeze through it like I have my homebirths and family crises and my wonderful life. There will be secrets that will be shared with me from wise friends but ultimately, it will be MY life, which I have always accepted with open arms and a questioning mind. I see every single instance as an opportunity to learn and experience and I love every single step.
Most of my friends are older than me so they've offered suggestions along the way and have recently restarted a vitamin regimen plus a progesterone cream recommended by someone within my age bracket at the health food store.
Considering seeing someone to test me to give me a better assessment based on my own journey but the cost is not something I can swing now. But, estrogen is out of the question, too much family health history of breast cancer.
I will not use hormones and have tried vitamins, supplements, etc, but they have had little effect on my symptoms. Lifestyle changes have helped the most by reducing the stress stress in my life.
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